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Stay & Play News
Fostering communication between families and staff February 2008
Important
Dates
February 5th- Visit from Belknap Dental Hygienist
 
February 14th- Valentine's
Day Party
 
February 18th-
CLOSED
 
February  21st- Marcus Gale at McConnell Center

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Louisa will turn 4 on February 14th! Louisa
Staff Changes Danielle & Friends
 
It saddens me to say that Danielle will be leaving Stay & Play at the end of February.  Danielle has brought so much to the programming at Stay & Play including extended activities at circle time, strong story telling skills, and her light hearted and caring personality.  I have felt comfortable with her teaching techniques and relationship building with families.  She will be relocating and the commute to Dover will be too difficult to continue.  She hopes to use her LNA license to pursue a career in nursing.  We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.
 
We welcome Amanda Clark, who has substituted for Stay & play and became a regular staff member mid- January.  Amanda had worked as the HUB's office administrator while completing her Degree in Education.  She left the HUB this fall to do her final internship in the public Elementary Schools.  Her ultimate goal is to work in this field starting in the fall of 2008.  I approached Amanda knowing Stay & Play would have an opening and that she would be a perfect fit.  She is familiar with the programming, staff,  and some of the families.  Please take the time to introduce yourself to Amanda when you see her.
Music For Little Ones
 
At the end of January we started a four month program starring Marcus Gale.  This educational program is wholesome and fun focusing on body coordination and awareness, music appreciation, and social, verbal, and listening skills.  This year we have collaborated with Dover Children's Center located in the McConnell Center.  Each month we will walk the children over for this 45 minute program.
Program News 
Dental Health, Valentine's Day, Red, Heart, & AlphabetLillie
 
This month the children will be learning about dental health and dentists.  The dentist is a very important helper for us because our teeth are very important.  Children are aware of their teeth at this age.  Through the experiences provided children will learn the importance of tooth care.  Dental health activities will include a visit form a dental hygienist, making toothpaste, and painting with toothbrushes. We will also be learning about Valentine's Day.  Children will learn that Valentine's Day celebrates our good feelings about special people.  This day also provides an opportunity to talk about the importance of sharing, giving, loving, and friendship.
 
Staff will also continue our Letter of the Week curriculum, focusing this month on letters U,V,&W.  Letter of the Week allows children opportunities for book handling, letter- sound awareness, letter recognition, and pre-reading and writing skills.  Immersing children through letter crafts, dramatic play, poems, and games will build on all developmental domains. Watch for Umbrellas, Valentines, and Water Play
 
The color of the month is RED..  If your child wears RED to school they will get to show it off at circle time.
 
At the end of the month the staff will be doing a review week of colors and shapes we have done September through February.
Child Oral Health

Cavity prevention is not the only concern parents should have when considering their children's oral health. Recent studies show that periodontal disease continues to plague millions of Americans, including children.

The best way to ensure that your child does not get cavities or gingivitis is to instill proper oral habits early. Good oral hygiene routines should be established as early as infancy and continued throughout life.


Registered dental hygienists may recommend these tips: ADHA

We strive to build positive relationships between Stay & Play staff and families.  Please feel free to offer any suggestions that might make our program the best in the area.
Sincerely, 
Stay & Play Staff